best practices for collision repair...facts you need to know about collision repair don’t wait...

Trust the Nissan Certified Collision Repair Network

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BEST PRACTICES FORCOLLISION REPAIRFACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Facts You Need To Know About Collision Repair

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE 3SELECT THE RIGHT

INSURANCE POLICYChoosing the right insurance companyand policy can make all the differencewhen it’s time for repairs. Making aquick decision when choosing a policycan cause major headaches later.

Q: Why shouldn’t I just shop around and buy the least expensive policy?

A: If you have an accident, you will likelyget what you pay for when it comesto your insurance policy. Many peoplebegin their auto insurance policysearch thinking they will never havean accident and, therefore, are lookingfor the least expensive policy they canbuy. The least expensive policy, however, could result in a less satisfactory claims experience.

Q: If I’m in an accident, isn’t my Nissan vehicle automatically repaired with parts from Nissan?

A: Not necessarily. When a new Nissan vehicle is built, all the components areGenuine Nissan Original Equipmentparts. Nissan has invested millions of dollars in the research, development,and engineering of those parts. Theyare extensively tested as an entire vehicle system to deliver the intendedlevel of safety and performance. Unfortunately, nearly all auto insurancepolicies allow for the use of alternatives.

Q: How can I ensure that repairs are made with Genuine Nissan parts?

A: Before you buy insurance, read the policy and know what you are purchasing.Ask your insurance representative aboutparts and other restrictions prior to purchase. That way you will pay for theprotection you want at the price you’rewilling to pay.

When you purchased your new Nissanvehicle, you bought an original. You canhelp keep it original by ensuring thatyour insurance company uses new Genuine Nissan Parts.

1

COLLISION REPAIR RELATIONSHIPS2Q: What are the three primary

relationships involved in collision repair?

A: – You and the collision center– You and the insurance company– The collision center and the insurance company

Q: Why are these relationships important?

A: Understanding each of these relationshipshelps you to make decisions that best protect:– You and your family– The performance of your vehicle’ssafety systems in the event of a future collision

– The resale value of your vehicle

In those three relationships, YOU arethe most important person. YOU haverights you should understand beforeyou purchase your vehicle and drive itfor the first time.


Although we hope you never experience vehicle damage, accidents do happen. Being prepared ahead of time can helpminimize the aggravation that canaccompany auto collision repairs.Be PreparedNissan has developed this brochure to helpyou navigate the collision repair processwith your insurance company and the collision center. It also will show you the important benefits of having your vehiclerepaired with new Genuine Nissan Parts. These parts help preserve the function ofthe vehicle's safety systems as a whole, aswell as the overall appearance, helping tomaintain your vehicle’s value.

In addition, there are factors to considerwhen purchasing insurance that will helpmake the repair process less of a hassle.Let’s hope this is information you neverneed. However, the time to think about it is before an accident—when you purchase your insurance policy. After an accident, it will be too late.

4SELECT THE RIGHT COLLISION CENTEROK, so the unthinkable has happenedand your vehicle is involved in a collision. Now the collision repairprocess begins.

Q: Who is the first person you shouldcall if you are in an accident andneed to repair your vehicle?– Your dealership?– Your insurance company?– Local collision center?– Your friends and family?

A: Our advice is to talk to ALL of them before you select a collision center for repairs. When doing this, carefully consider the benefits of each:Your dealership – They were the original source for your vehicle and areyour trusted source for maintenanceand repairs so they are a good place tostart. Ask if they manage or can directyou to a nearby collision center that is amember of the Nissan Certified CollisionRepair Network. The Nissan CertifiedCollision Repair Network has been developed by Nissan North America as adynamic competitive program to recognize and distinguish Dealer-ownedand independently owned and operatedcollision center that meet or exceedstandards for repair work, training,equipment and delivery of customer service.

Q: I’ve heard about insurance companies having their own direct repair shops. Is that a good choice?

A: If your insurer directs you to one of its direct repair facilities, this may be a goodchoice, but you should check it out prior totaking your vehicle there for repairs. If youare not comfortable with your insurancecompany’s recommendation, you still havethe right to go to another collision centerof your choice.

Ultimately, any collision center you select is repairing YOUR vehicle for YOU. You havethe right to select the collision center andchoose the parts used to repair your vehicle. Your insurance company pays thebill on which you and the collision centerhave agreed, although you may have topay any price difference if your insurancepolicy allows for low-cost alternative parts.But all this should be decided and agreed tobefore repairs begin, not after the vehicle is returned to you.

Your insurance company – If filing aclaim, your insurance company will needto be called to begin the claims process.They may recommend a shop in your area that THEY have a relationship with.

Local collision centers – Check out several. Consider how they handle your inquiry over the phone. Ask them abouttheir facilities, equipment, and capabilities.Ask them what part types they use andabout shop and technician certifications.

Your family and friends – Word of mouthcould be one of your best sources for finding a reputable collision center. Sometimes the best advice you can get isfrom a family member or friend who hasgone through the process.



5SELECT THE RIGHT PARTS

Q: Why is it so importantto have my vehicle repaired with newGenuine NissanParts?

A: Today’s vehiclesuse more advanced highstrength steels,exotic metals, andcomposite materialsthan ever before. Nissan vehicles also include highly advanced crash avoidanceand safety system technologies. It is critical for these systems to be repairedwith parts that will deliver the intendedlevel of form, function, performance, andsafety our engineers originally specified.

The only way to be certain you are getting original equipment performanceis to use new Genuine Nissan Parts. Unfortunately, many customers tell usthey are not aware that anything otherthan new Genuine Nissan Parts would be used to repair their vehicle after an accident.

Q: Do I have the right to choosewhich parts are used in my repairs?

A: Absolutely. A reputable collision centerwill discuss with you in detail the parttypes specified to repair your vehicle before it starts repairs. This isrequired by law in many states. You always have the right to choose thetype of parts to repair your vehicle, butyour insurance company may make youpay the price difference if your policy allows for the use of low-cost alternatives.

Q: How can I tell what types of parts are being specified for my repairs?

A: Have the collision center or insurer explain any acronym or comment on therepair estimate you don’t understand before you sign the repair authorization.These are the different types of parts youmay encounter.Genuine Nissan PartsSometimes called “OEM Part” on the estimate, these parts are designed by Nissan and produced to the same specifications and tolerances as the parts used on the vehicle when it wasmanufactured. They all meet stringent requirements for fit, finish, structural integrity, and corrosion protection as well meeting Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandards (FVMSS) which are a higherlevel of testing that aftermarket suppliersare not required to meet.

When Nissan designs and builds a new vehicle, each part works together to form systems that are rigorously tested tomeet strict Nissan and government standards. When a non-genuine part is introduced, the characteristics of theoverall system can be altered, potentiallyaffecting the safety, drivability, or appearance of the vehicle.


The right parts are critical to your vehicle’s long-term performance and your peace of mind.

New Genuine Nissan Parts Help Return Your Vehicle to Pre-Accident Condition

Trust The Original. Genuine Nissan Parts.

5SELECT THE RIGHTPARTS, CONTINUED


New Aftermarket Collision PartsSometimes called “Aftermarket Part” onthe estimate, these copies are made bycompanies other than Nissan or its OEMsuppliers and may not be made of thesame material or to the same tolerancesand specifications as Genuine NissanParts. As a result, some new aftermarketcrash parts may not be of the samequality or have the same performancecharacteristics as OEM parts.

Salvage PartsSometimes called “Salvage,” “Used,”“LKQ,” or “Recycled” parts on the estimate, these parts are removed fromsalvage yard vehicles. Quality concernsmay exist with salvage parts becausethe source, condition, and durability ofthe parts are not known. In some cases the part could be a salvaged aftermarket part.

Remanufactured/Reconditioned Collision PartsSometimes called “Reman” or “Recon”parts on the estimate, most of thesecollision parts are removed from salvageyard vehicles or from the scrap heap outbehind collision centers and reconditioned.Like salvage parts, quality concerns mayexist with these parts because thesource, condition-and durability of theparts are not known. Collision parts that are commonly reconditioned arebumpers, fascias, wheels, and lighting.

Making sure you know the difference inpart types and approve of the partsbeing specified for your vehicle–beforethe repairs begin–can help lead to amore satisfying repair experience.


New Genuine Nissan Parts Help Return Your Vehicle to Pre-Accident Condition

6IT’S ALL ABOUT VALUECarefully consider the use of new Genuine Nissan Parts for collision repair.

Q: Why?A: You receive many benefits when you

use new Genuine Nissan Parts:

Better Repair AppearanceNew Genuine Nissan Parts provide a pre-cise fit because they are produced to the same specifications as the new vehicle. This ensures that body lines,contours, and gaps are the same aswhen your vehicle was originally manufactured.

Faster Repair TimeThe use of new aftermarket, salvage orreconditioned parts may take more timeto install and may require modifications to achieve an acceptablefit, which may ultimately increase orderand repair times. Also, new Genuine Nissan Parts are readily available atthousands of Nissan dealerships.

Improved Structural IntegrityMany parts play an integral role in yourvehicle’s overall structural integrity and the function of its safety systems. Whennew Genuine Nissan Parts are installedusing factory-recommended materialsand procedures, they deliver the same structural performance characteristics as the original parts.

Maintains Vehicle Resale ValueThe use of new aftermarket, salvage or reconditioned parts may decrease resale value because of potential poor quality, fit, finish, andappearance. Using new Genuine NissanParts for repairs is one way to helpkeep your vehicle looking “like new,”which may help to maintain its valueand may be required if you’re leasingyour vehicle.


Original Manufacturer’s WarrantyNew Genuine Nissan Parts are the onlyservice replacement parts warranted byNissan. Damage to your vehicle or itsparts caused by the failure of new aftermarket, salvage, or reconditionedparts may not be covered by your NissanNorth America new-vehicle warranty.



Peace of mind comes from educating yourself and knowing your rights on collision repair before an accident happens. When it comes to selecting theright parts for your vehicle, the only wayto truly know what you are getting is touse new Genuine Nissan PartsContact:Your Insurance Company Representative– Find out exactly what your policy covers, now, before you need it

– Find out what is covered if your vehicle is damaged and needs repairs

– Find out if your policy allows choiceswhen it comes time to choose partsto repair your vehicle

Your State Insurance Commissioner– Check the laws and regulations that govern insurance policies

– Check the laws and regulations that govern collision centers

– Know your rights as a consumerwhen it comes time to repair your vehicle

Nissan parts used to produce the vehicle are thoroughly tested during the vehicle development process. Nissan vehicles are subjected to a battery of stringent internal tests as well as Federal Motor Vehicle SafetyStandards (FMVSS) tests to help ensureall individual components work as a Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

New Genuine Nissan Parts meet ourstringent requirements for fit, finish,structural integrity, and corrosionprotection. Nissan strongly recommendsthe use of new Genuine Nissan Parts forcollision repair. Use of new aftermarket,salvage, or reconditioned parts could result in diminished value of the vehicleand increased damage in a subsequentcollision. Further, these types of partsare not warranted by Nissan, and anydamagecaused by their use is excludedfrom Nissan's warranty coverage.

For more information please visit:

NISSAN NORTH AMERICA POSITION STATEMENT


Trust The Original. Genuine Nissan Parts.

7KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Choose the Nissan Certified Collision Repair Network

best practices for collision repair...facts you need to know about collision repair don’t wait...

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